Spikes grazing across the track. The essence of self-determination and grit fills the surrounding air. This is the average race for Emmaus High School athlete Kayla-Rayne Quinones. This being Quinones’s senior year, she looks to end her high school career on a high note.
Quinones has been a star-studded athlete over her four years at EHS, leaving her to be considered one of the best female runners in the district. She is primarily a hurdler in the 55 and 60 meters, but she also runs in the normal 55 and 60 meter dashes during the indoor season. Her prominence in these events has led to a huge amount of recognition and constant competition for first.
“I placed second overall in the district in hurdles,” Quinones said. “It is my biggest accomplishment because the district was bigger than the EPC [Eastern Pennsylvania Conference], so the competition was a lot harder.”
Quinones during the 2024 track season ran the 100 and 300 meter hurdles, allowing her to make her mark in this area. She is not only looking forward to getting better this upcoming track season but also when she goes off to college.
“I am planning to commit to IUP [Indiana University of Pennsylvania], where I am going to be majoring in biology,” Quinones said. “It is my goal to run at IUP.”
Although, she still has unfinished business left in her EHS career.
“[My goal] for the upcoming season is to get first all-around in EPCs, and make it to states once again,” Quinones said.
Quinones is not the only one hoping to succeed this track season. Track and field coach, Kami Reinhard has similar goals for her star athlete.
“This year, her events in the district are packed,” Reinhard said. “I feel good for her. The goal is just making sure she realizes that she can be great, she can be at the top of the district.”
Surrounded by a strong support system and family, Quinones has achieved many accomplishments while also growing as a runner and leader. Reinhard admires Quinones’s commitment to her sport.
“I know she has learned [what] it takes to be a top athlete. Once you learn that you can see the things we talk about come into play, such as discipline, accountability, and respect,” Reinhard said. “She has learned how to be an example. She’s respectful to her teammates and her coaches, and she’s emerging as a leader on our team. Once you do those things, you know that the kids are going to go to college and just grow even more.”
So far over the winter track season, Quinones has been dominating in her respective races.
“I’m already state qualified, and I was able to reset my 60 and 55-meter hurdle record, just this winter season,” Quinones said.
Quinones was able to set her 55-meter dash at 7.80 seconds and her 60-meter dash at 8.08, creating a good basis of success for the upcoming spring season.
Quinones has been a dominant force over her high school career, and she plans to better herself every day. Her consistency has been essential in ensuring her success.
